OUR RESULTS
Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), Salonga National Park
WILDLIFE Biomonitoring of large mammals Over the past year, biomonitoring of large mammals continued in Salonga National Park, with 24 camera traps installed in 3 sites capturing 12,235 images confirming the presence of forest elephants, bongo, leopard, hippopotamus and buffalo. This effort contributes to our knowledge of species distribution, and to identifying areas of high conservation interest, which information is then used to improve Park management planning. Ongoing monitoring of two bonobo families resident in community forests in Malebo, Mai Ndombe province indicated that the population is stable, and that the forest ecosystem remains intact, and comparable to 2016 baseline conditions. Habituation of the bonobos continues, with additional precautions taken by trackers due to the Covid-19 outbreak to ensure that the virus could not be transmitted to the bonobos. The population size and dis8 / WWF-DRC Annual Report 2021
tribution of forest elephants in the community forests was also surveyed and found to be stable. Community monitors patrol the 6 community forest concessions at the Malebo site, to control illegal activities, remove traps and document evidence of hunting. The 63 members of the community patrol team, all from the 7 villages surrounding the community forests, were trained on relevant aspects, including the monitoring of hunting, habitat degradation, and ethics related to their mission. Over the past year, 63 patrollers removed 128 traps in the 6 concessions, and collected 186 cartridge cases. To determine the impact of hunting in community forests, a study was carried out on the level of hunting and consumption of bushmeat in the local villages, most commonly used hunting methods, and the relative dependence of local residents on bushmeat. The study will be used to develop a
